Approaching its 25th anniversary, SOMArts’ annual Día de Los Muertos exhibition stands out as one of the longest running and most diverse Day of the Dead celebrations in the United States.

Founded by renowned San Francisco artist and curator, René Yañez, SOMArts’ Día de Los Muertos combines traditional ofrendas or altars with the visual language of contemporary art installation, to create a multigenerational space for remembrance. Continuing the legacy of René’s work are co-curators Rio Yañez and Bridgètt Rex who envision a Day of the Dead presentation that celebrates the holiday’s Mexican roots while calling for all cultures around the globe to honor the dead together in solidarity.

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Artist proposals are due Thursday, June 13, 11:59 PM PST

Curator’s Statement

As the world watches and responds to the genocide of the Palestinian people, this year’s exhibition theme, Bearing Witness, opens a space to reflect on the impact of this on-going trauma on personal, national, and international levels. SOMArts’ annual call for proposals invites artists to center on the notion of creation as resistance, by proposing traditional and contemporary altar installations that honor, celebrate, and mourn those who have perished in Palestine. The call, of course, welcomes altars and installations that honor personal loved ones as well.

SOMArts’ 25th annual Día de Los Muertos exhibition embodies the spirit of René Yañez, who ensured that each show reflected the current state of the world and honored those lost to profound acts of violence. Bearing witness can sometimes feel like flickers of powerlessness, yet we challenge this feeling through action. By using art as a tool of liberation, artists are asked to consider how they might use the altar, both traditional and contemporary, as an expression of solidarity, love, and justice. Traditional altars may include classic tiered structures and iconography, such as candles, papel picado, and photos of loved ones. Alternatively, as contemporary installations, the form of the altar can be created in any way the artist feels best conceptually reflects their vision. Our curators welcome you to submit a proposal with this in mind.

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Artist proposals are due Thursday, June 13, 11:59 PM PST

Key Dates

  • Monday, June 10, 11:59 PM PST: Artist proposals due
    • DEADLINE EXTENDED: Artist proposals are due Thursday, June 13, 11:59 PM PST
  • Week of July 11: Artist notified of application status
  • Wednesday, July 31: Artist Meeting at SOMArts
  • Wednesday, October 2: Artwork Drop off Date
  • Wednesday, October 2–Sunday, October 6: Artwork Installation by appointment
  • Friday, October 11, 6–9pm: Opening Reception
  • Friday, October 25, 8–9:30pm: Drag Performance
  • Friday, November 8, 6–9pm: Closing Reception
  • Saturday, November 9: Deinstallation by appointment